I have been wanting to post this for some time now...actually since last Thanksgiving when I did this project. Sometimes I'm just slow. Having had soft water in our houses since the 70's and been drinking very good private well water for the last 25 years or so, we are spoiled to the great taste of untreated clean and soft water. So when we decided to full time, a filter unit and water softener were purchased. Since, I have wanted to "build-in" those components to streamline the setup process and keep exterior area around coach a little more tidy and not have to worry about freezing and/or any other physical damage. My main problem was space. Having a 38' with tag, my exterior storage was limited so it took me awhile to locate a suitable location but once I had it clear in my mind, it wasn't that much trouble. Wanted to share this upgrade/remodel so others who would like to "build-in" their units, might benefit.
I finally selected the wet bay for the location. Photo A shows the original configuration. The built in vacuum unit was the first to go when we installed the residential refrigerator.
Photo B shows the plumbing modification to the fresh water supply line to the water manifold. Tapped into the line with a 90 elbow, installed a check valve and hose fitting and return to a tee fitting (supplying manifold and pump, fill valve, etc.
Next was the removal of the transmission ECM, Photo C...(unbolted and moved to top of fresh water tank, did not disconnect) and removal and cutting the shelf down to about half its depth, Photo D, and installing an aluminum angle to front edge of shelf to add support. This allows room for a lower shelf nearer the front of the compartment to hold the softener. The ECM was then installed on the back wall. This also required lowering the shelf slightly and some repositioning of the radiator/fan assembly for the bay heating.
Next, Photo E, a dual filter assembly was bolted to the right bulkhead, then, Photo F, a small shelf was installed on left side to hold the softener and softener installed and secured by Velcro straps attached to left bulkhead and a knee pad used to cushion contact area.
And finally, all components were connected with 4' potable water hoses. I also installed a variety of valves and swivels to make removal of the softener easier for regeneration. All the components seem to travel well with no noticeable movement. And I will most likely eventually replace some of the hoses with PEX and install bypass valves, just to further simplify. But with the current setup, removal of the softener for regeneration has been a simple process.
End result for my efforts is pulling into the campground, connecting shore power and water hose and I'm done. Works for me!
Bill, that is a great looking installation. I have been pondering the same thing but had not considered putting it in that bay. Very nice I'm going to be in your area in the next few days I would love to see it " up close" I'll give you a shout to see if that works for you.
Bill, very tidy, very nice. My kind of job.
Roger
Ron, look forward to hearing from you!
Great write up and a great job. :D